​WORLD RELIGION DAYThe theme of the 2017 Celebration is "Building Bridges for Unity” The goal of the MultiFaith World Religion Day Committee of Durham Region is to bring all faiths together not only to raise awareness of the world's religions and to find the similarities between our faiths but also to work together to increase cross-cultural understanding and strengthen our commitment to mutual respect for all faiths. When: Sunday, January 15, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm Open House, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Presentations and EntertainmentWhere: Ajax Community Centre, HMS Ajax Room (west entrance), 75 Centennial Road, Ajax, ON L1S 4S4Cost: Free

TRUTH, HEALING AND RECONCILIATION EDUCATION AND REFLECTION PROGRAMAn 8 session course. The Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was created to document and preserve the experiences of survivors of Canada’s Indian Residential School System. This was a beginning step towards reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians. The Truth & Reconciliation Commission received from the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) and the Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada (UUMOC) a joint submission in March 2014 which expressed our commitment as Unitarian Universalists to the journey of healing and reconciliation, and our willingness to do the work of upholding our principles of justice, equity, compassion, and respect for indigenous Canadians. In this expression, two of the actions we committed to are:- To assemble and promote educational materials for our congregations regarding the history and impact of the Indian Residential School system - To continue to encourage our congregations and their members to learn more about the richness of Aboriginal spirituality and cultures, working together to advance the struggle for justice for Aboriginal people. The CUC has prepared a Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Reflection Guide for use by congregations. The Reflection Guide is authored by Rev. Meg Roberts (Minister at Comox Valley Unitarian Fellowship) and Leslie Kemp, who worked with the CUC THR Task Force to develop the guide. The UUCD has elected to run this program in eight sessions over a four month period. The vision is that participants will attend all sessions. The Truth, Healing and Reconciliation program provides participants with the opportunity to reflect on four key areas: 1. Engagement and locating ourselves within our social identities and cultural background 2. Understanding the process of European colonization of Indigenous peoples in Canada 3. Connection with Indigenous peoples in today’s realities and how to be in solidarity 4. Healing and Reconciliation between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people The program includes readings, activities where you get up and move around, short 5-minute videos, and lots of opportunity for discussion and reflection. If you would like more details on each of the sessions, please contact Kelly Hayes at kelly_hayes@rogers.com. We are delivering this program at the UUCD starting January 16 and running every 2-3 weeks until April. Four members and our DRE have been trained as facilitators: Kelly Hayes, Szanne McNutt, Kevin Garland, James Garland and Birgitta MacLeod. As Lead Facilitator, Kelly is preparing a participation list. Please send Kelly an e-mail at kelly_hayes@rogers.comif you would like to participate. When: Part 1 of 8: Monday, January 16, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pmWhere: UUCD, BrooklinCost: Free

BRIDGE TO A NEW HOMEA joint refugeee sponsorship endeavour of UUCD, Brooklin United, Westminster United and Kingsview United Come out and enjoy a meal at Boston Pizza and help sponsor a refugee family. On Wednesday, January 25, from 5:00-9:00 pm, Boston Pizza* will donate 10% of the cost of all food items to Bridge to a New Home to help sponsor a refugee family in our community. It’s a great way to enjoy an evening out and to help a great cause. When: Wednesday, January 25, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pmWhere: Boston Pizza, 20 Taunton Road East (Note: Whitby store only.)Cost: Whatever you feel like eating!

TRUTH, HEALING AND RECONCILIATION EDUCATION AND REFLECTION PROGRAMThe program includes readings, activities where you get up and move around, short 5-minute videos, and lots of opportunity for discussion and reflection. If you would like more details on each of the sessions, please contact Kelly Hayes at kelly_hayes@rogers.com. Please send Kelly an e-mail at kelly_hayes@rogers.comif you would like to participate. When: Part 2 of 8: Monday, January 30, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pmWhere: UUCD, BrooklinCost: Free